If you like movies, you are probably aware of how cunning private investigators can be. What you might not know is that one could be following you if you filed a claim for a workplace injury.
Insurers use private investigators if they doubt your injury claim
Insurance companies would rather keep money in their pockets than put it in yours. They may hire a private investigator to follow you after you make a workplace injury claim. They hope to find out something that allows them to either reduce or reject your claim.
Here are some of the tactics an insurance investigator might use:
- Watching or videoing you: Private investigators can carry out surveillance in public spaces. They are not allowed to peek into your home. However, your yard or porch may be fair game if you are publicly visible when there.
- Checking your social media: An insurer could use information you post against you. They may also discover information about you in posts your friends make.
- Talking to you: Be careful what you say when talking about your workplace injury, especially if talking to a person you do not know well. They might be an investigator. You should also take care when discussing your injury with friends. An investigator could be standing nearby and listening.
- Talking to people you know: Surveillance staff might strike up a conversation with your friends or colleagues to see what they say about your injury.
Your insurance payout for a workplace injury relies heavily on the doctor’s opinion of how the injury affects your everyday life and ability to work. Be sure to heed your doctor’s advice. If you go against it, an investigator and the insurer may find out. Seek legal help if accused of making a fraudulent claim or exaggerating the severity of your injuries.
